Sierra De San Juan
Red-headed Tanager
High up in the mountains outside of San Blas, we explored the forests of the Sierra De San Juan a few years back. There we searched for some endemics found in western Mexico. It was also much cooler than the swampy coastal areas near San Blas during those hot summer days. In short, it was a nice relief.
Let's talk about that "tanager" above. The tanagers we have in the US are much larger than this little bird. They are more like the size of a Bridled Titmouse or Bushtit and move in groups like Bushtits. Are they really tanagers?
Pale-billed Woodpecker
As expected with mountain birding, each elevation held different species of birds. In one area, we had Lilac-crowned Amazons flying over our heads. That was a very cool experience. And in another, we had Spotted Wrens. It was an exciting day out with Mark Stackhouse as we enjoyed so many fascinating birds. I compare it to Mt. Lemmon birding here in Tucson. It's a full day up the mountain searching birding hotspots in some incredibly gorgeous habitat on some crazy roads. 
In another area, we explored a grassy horse pasture on a ranch finding birds like Tufted Flycatcher, Spotted Wren and Rusty Sparrow. There was a young horse at the time who wanted to play rough with humans. During a previous time, this horse got one of the locals and they had to be stitched up. I never felt fear until I saw this zesty colt approach us! Mark went to keep the horse back but the colt followed us. Meanwhile, there was a Rusty Sparrow calling! I watched as the colt followed Mark around and tried to "play" with him. Thankfully Mark wasn't hurt and was able to redirect the horse away from us! Past the horse, we observed Spotted Wrens on some cactus like we would Cactus Wren here.
Brown-backed Solitaire
It's hard to pick a favorite spot on the mountain because I loved all of it. A bird that I often see in cages in Central Mexico is the Brown-backed Solitaire which has an absolutely lovely song. I finally got a shot of this bird in the wild.
The pic above of the Mexican Woodnymph, a very tightly ranged endemic to western Mexico, is absolutely stunning. This pic is not however. In the shade, they look dark or black. In the sunshine, they glitter like a brilliant blue and purple gem! I tried to get this beauty on a flower but my camera was acting up on what would be my camera's final day. 2 years later, my camera has been restored!
We suspect this next bird will at some point cross into southeastern Arizona as they are found in the state of Sonora. Listen for the similar descending calls of the Canyon Wren and you might chance upon a rare woodcreeper. I was finally able to add this one to my Mexican bird list. And that lifer list!
I discovered there is a very gray subspecies of Rufous-backed Robin that will most likely get its own species status down the road. It even has it's own name, the Grayson's Thrush. That was super cool to discover and thank you Mark for sharing your knowledge and insight with us. I learned so much from you.
These next 2 birds weren't lifers but holy cow! what views!!!! Look. Flycatchers are somewhat drab. Maybe interesting. But listen! Here in Tucson, the Vermilion Flycatchers are sexy hot! And so are Tufted Flycatchers. I've had them before in Arizona and other parts of Mexico but never this close. The bird just sat there watching me. What a stunner! And absolutely adorable!
Crescent-chested Warbler
The next warbler is quite common in the upper elevations around Mexico. Once and awhile, the Crescent-chested Warbler will venture into southern Arizona as it did a few years ago. But savage birders exposed their nesting sites from carelessly tramping around the bushes and forest. One nest was knocked down and another was raided by observant Mexican Jays. Thankfully down in Mexico, they are quite common and US listers could care less about Mexican birding. Afterall, it's not a part of the North American ABA. 😕
Finally on this day, I added the Rufous-crowned Ground-Sparrows to my life list. Anything that's a sparrow is a MUST! When I went to Puerto Vallarta and San Blas 2 summers ago, this bird and the Northern Potoo were the big two I wanted to see. These birds did not disappoint.
They are absolutely stunning and this final pic just made my heart glow. Then my camera fizzed out! Thankfully we were at the end of our trip. Last week, we saw a major cartel leader killed in Puerto Vallarta and the retaliation of that cartel. People are wondering if it's safe to travel there. The simple answer is "yes". Like anywhere, always be aware of your surroundings and "read the room". As my heart is saddened by this country I call home, I am preparing my journey to my new Mexican home in a few years. This year, we will explore a lot of Mexico including several coastal areas:) Thank you for following and until next time.
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